Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India’s relations with great powers, Issue: India-E.U. relations.
Context:
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Europe and PM Modi’s participation in the G7 Summit highlight the realignment of India and Europe Relations.
Key Highlights:
Geopolitical Context:
Trump-era unpredictability has strained traditional US-Europe ties. In this context, Europe is reassessing its global role amid U.S.-Russia tensions, China’s rise, and strategic uncertainties.
India’s Renewed Focus on Europe:
- Swing state: India views Europe as a potential swing state in global power dynamics.
- Multilateral cooperation: Jaishankar’s visit aims to deepen India-EU ties, reinforce bilateral relations (e.g., with France, Belgium), and build multilateral cooperation.
- Collective west: Modi’s G7 presence aligns with India’s goal to engage with the “collective West.”
G-7 Summit: G7, though informal, influences global governance. The 2025 G7 Summit (Canada) will deepen focus on Ukraine war, energy security, and technological transitions.
- Canada’s approach: Canada’s diplomatic repositioning shows Western fragmentation due to Trumpism.
Changing US-Europe Relations:
- Trump’s rise: Trump challenged NATO, questioned security alliances, and was soft on Russia—leading to EU distrust.
- Cornered Europe: Europe (France-Germany-Poland “Weimar Triangle”) is now pursuing strategic autonomy and aims to reduce dependence on the US.
UK’s Re-engagement with Europe:
- Under Keir Starmer, the UK is trying to rebuild EU ties post-Brexit.
- It signals UK’s interest in being a stronger European power.
- It opens space for India to work with UK and EU both.
India-Europe Cooperation Potential:
- FTA: Resumption of stalled India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks focussing on resilient supply chains, digital transformation, climate, and security.
- New initiatives:
- India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
- India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)
- Multilateral Rebalancing & Multipolarity: As the G7 is redefining its core to remain relevant in a multipolar world, the rise of India-Europe relations is part of a broader rebalancing among major powers (US, Russia, China, EU).
- Part of broader engagement: India is engaging not just with the EU but with broader coalitions like ASEAN, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
Conclusion:
India is strategically using current geopolitical churn to reposition itself. Strengthening ties with Europe allows India to diversify partnerships, mitigate overdependence on the US, and shape a more balanced global order.
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